Reincarnation Sword God

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00545 – Dark Heaven Village

Yeon Jeong-hong slowly reached out and fiddled with the Phoenix Fragment. After examining it for a while, he said, “It seems to exist.”

At that moment, an overwhelming joy surged within me; I felt like jumping up in excitement. I had thought we would have to search the entire Central Plains, yet here we were with a clue already!

After savoring a sip of tea, Yeon Jeong-hong continued, “I believe I saw something like this in the family manuscripts when I was young… Yes, if I recall correctly, it described a sculpture of the Phoenix on Danhyeol Mountain. And it wasn’t just one piece but two fragments.”

He certainly knew a lot about the fragments! Then Yeon Jong-hwi expressed his amazement, “That’s strange. I think I’ve seen such a book as well. Could it be a story passed down through generations?”

“Hmm… I did pay attention to that book in my youth. The reason both of us came across it is likely that it was once a treasure owned by the Yeon royal family. Because that very book recorded treasures owned by royal families throughout history.”

“Ah…”

“Though the bloodline may have scattered, important manuscripts contain significant information handed down to each clan.”

“Do you possibly have that book with you?”

“I do. I can give it to you if you’d like.”

I felt like a thread in the story was starting to unravel. Yeon Jeong-hong took another sip of tea and said, “I don’t know where you got that Phoenix Fragment, but I believe it was something that was once treated as a national treasure. Thus, there should be records of it, and whoever possesses it must surely understand its value.”

“Are you implying…?”

“While it might come out if we search diligently, the owner is unlikely to part with it willingly. Keep that in mind while you search.”

Feeling as if I had gathered sufficient information regarding the Phoenix Fragment, I turned to Yeon Jeong-hong and asked, “I have to admit, your swordsmanship is notably distinguished among the leaders of the Nine Great Sects. Is that because you’ve purely mastered the techniques of the Zhongnan Sect?”

Yeon Jeong-hong stiffened at my words, his expression hardening as he replied somewhat harshly, “It seems you wish to hear a response you anticipate. Are you hoping to hear that I mixed in the royal family’s swordsmanship?”

I suddenly realized my mistake. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I had thought you respected me as a master of Half-Transition, but your inquiry seems rather petty.”

Yeon Jeong-hong appeared genuinely upset, a hint of disdain tainting his expression. Noticing the tense atmosphere, I quickly lowered my head in apology.

“I’m sorry. I’ve recently been obsessively practicing my swordsmanship and have genuinely developed interest in techniques from other sects. If I offended you, I sincerely apologize.”

“Very well, I shall accept your apology.”

Yeon Jeong-hong sighed and continued, “I mastered the royal family’s sword techniques in my youth. I joined the Zhongnan Sect at the age of twelve, and my initial training undoubtedly aided my progress.”

“Does that mean you fused sword techniques?”

“Not at all. The foundational aspects of the Zhongnan Sect’s swordsmanship and techniques are wholly essential… If I had mixed techniques from other sects, the Elders would have noticed ages ago and never would have considered me for the role of leader.”

He clasped his hands together. “I believe that the martial arts of our Zhongnan Sect are more refined and powerful than those of the royal family’s techniques. While some may claim our sect lags behind the Huashan and Wudang Sects, I do not share that sentiment. Skilled talent differs, but I believe we can ultimately rise to be the foremost sword sect in the world.”

“……”

Listening to Yeon Jeong-hong’s confident declaration, I realized he had completely embraced the life of a Zhongnan Sect disciple.

‘He’ll remain a master of the Zhongnan Sect until his last breath.’

Perhaps if Yeon Jong-hwi hadn’t come by, he would have lived his entire life without revealing his royal lineage to anyone.

With a hopeful heart, I said to Yeon Jeong-hong, “Please keep our inquiries about the Phoenix Fragment confidential. It’s a request.”

“Of course… If there’s nothing more to discuss, please leave this place.”

With that, Yeon Jeong-hong took a small tome from the corner of his cottage and handed it over. It seemed to be a secret record containing the list of treasures owned by the Yeon royal family, including the Silver Phoenix Fragment. Judging by how freely he offered it, Yeon Jeong-hong appeared truly disinterested in treasures.

“I understand.”

Thwack!

We departed from Yeon Jong-hwi and headed back to Jangryeong Valley. Upon sharing what we had learned about the Silver Phoenix Fragment with Zhuge Sa, he pondered deeply before saying, “It’s not entirely fruitless. The Yeon royal family is an ancient dynasty, and Balhae is a later kingdom. The fact that the Yeon royal family once owned the Phoenix Fragment suggests that at least the Silver Phoenix Fragment wasn’t produced in Balhae.”

“Are you saying it’s an ancient relic?”

“Indeed, while Balhae was established only eight hundred years ago, it seems to hint at something even older. Also, I didn’t mention it last time, but there’s another intriguing point.”

“What is it?”

“This Silver Phoenix Fragment… At first glance, it appears to be made of silver, but it’s actually a completely different metal. It’s remarkably resistant to shock and not flexible at all. To say it was specially crafted through ancient metallurgy seems a bit too high of a level.”

Zhuge Sa took the book from my hands and said, “This should suffice. With reference to [Barley] and this book, we will do our utmost to locate the remaining Phoenix Fragment. You should return to training.”

“Understood.”

I headed over to Lee Cheong-un, who was waiting for me in the training grounds. He said, “Baek Woong, I believe the next move will likely occur after we find the Phoenix Fragment.”

“I think so too.”

“Although you have acquired the Sword Thunder, there’s still a long way to go. Let’s spar a bit to gauge your level.”

Clang! Clang!

Lee Cheong-un and I shared approximately five hundred seconds of sparring. Just as I was beginning to find the lengthy sparring peculiar, Lee Cheong-un set his spear aside. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “It seems there are no sharp methods… While you’ve indeed advanced as a swordsman, it still isn’t enough to impart the essence of the Thunder Spirit Technique.”

“You mean, I can’t inherit it?”

“It’s not because you lack talent. As you know, the Thunder Spirit Technique condenses numerous high-level insights, so it ends up dragging you into your own heart’s demons.”

“Hm, I see.”

“I believe it will consistently lean more towards gradual improvement rather than sudden enlightenment. I considered teaching you techniques with a spear or a fist but decided it’s still too early for that…”

“I’m fine with that.”

I replied confidently, “While training for the marvelous essence, I will surely manage anything.”

“Very well then. From today onwards, let’s begin the training.”

I started to train under Lee Cheong-un, linking and applying various techniques of the Thunder God Lineage as I had done before acquiring the Sword Thunder. Interestingly, before meeting Dokgo Seong, it felt as though I was twisting my body out of sheer effort, yet after mastering the Sword Thunder, my understanding of basic techniques surged dramatically.

Curious about my progress, I inquired to Lee Cheong-un, who answered readily, “Of course. Achieving the Sword Thunder doesn’t merely mean you can emit lightning from your sword. You’ve become a notable Sword Hero in the history of the Thunder God Lineage, so naturally, your insights into the sword will feel easier to comprehend.”

“Really?!”

“The flow is good. Let’s build up your strength until you aim for the next realm in that way.”

Crack!

Clang!

After about a year of training, I felt my skills in the Thunder God’s martial arts deepening to more profound levels. It was curious; rather than just improving my skills, it felt like everything I had learned was weighing down on me, naturally sinking me into a more adept state. My mastery was becoming more fluid, resulting in much faster reactions.

Occasionally, Zhuge Sa appeared to be troubled, and after questioning him on it, he said, “That [Barley] you gave me… It seems to hold more significance than I expected. I’m currently contemplating whether or not to delve into it.”

“Don’t hesitate; go for it.”

“Hehe. I’ll discuss it with Mangnyang.”

Since that day, Zhuge Sa remained quiet about [Barley]. He only mentioned that after consulting with Mangnyang, they would keep their focus on recovering the Phoenix Fragment.

Another three months passed.

Around that time, news came from Mangnyang.

“Baek Woong, we’ve finally found the remaining half of the Silver Phoenix Fragment!”

“Really?!”

“One of the informants we placed across Jianghu has finally identified the owner. Thanks to the book we received from Yeon Jeong-hong, we were able to track its location.”

I felt a sense of ease as things started progressing smoothly. Unable to contain my excitement, I exclaimed, “Then we can finally uncover its whereabouts.”

“Well, that’s…”

Mangnyang hesitated before saying, “… we lack funds.”

“……?”

“The person possessing it is rather special… Thus, we require a considerable amount of money. I’m currently deliberating alongside Zhuge Sa.”

What in the world does that mean? I was baffled and asked, “We must have plenty of treasure looted from the pirates… We should have an abundance!”

“Indeed. You’ve accrued immense wealth through your reincarnation. The funds you’ve invested until now in managing Jangryeong Valley and Jinrang Valley, as well as utilizing the information network within Jianghu to develop the Bancheon Alliance, were composed of that wealth. However… I can’t be sure if that money will suffice to buy the Silver Phoenix Fragment.”

“What on earth are you saying?”

Mangnyang sighed deeply, as if drained, and said, “It’s held by the Li Ma Dou trading group.”

“Li Ma Dou?”

“Li Ma Dou is the name he uses in the Central Plains, but in reality, he’s a Westerner.”

“Wait, a Westerner?”

Stunned by this revelation, I waited for Mangnyang to continue, “Matteo Ricci. He’s expanded his influence in Guangdong and the Kingdom of Duke Du, forming a colossal trading group. He also wields substantial power, capable of moving the fleet alongside the Hollanders, making it dangerous to provoke him.”

“……!!”

Upon hearing those words, I was taken aback. “That man was the one who showed up when we attacked the Imperial Palace…”

“Exactly. He’s the very westerner who appeared before you and Lee Kwang during the previous life when the gods descended and the Master of the White Lotus Sect was killed. You recognized him from that encounter.”

Mangnyang sat back in his chair and continued, “The more I investigate Matteo Ricci, the more astonishing he is. He instigates the spread of Western religion near Guangdong while simultaneously forming a trading group that has entirely seized control of the commercial rights in Guangdong and the Kingdom of Duke Du. If he wanted, he could even incite a rebellion against the Great Ming Empire by egging on the provincial governor and the Prince Consort.”

“Kingdom of Duke Du?”

“Ah, Baek Woong, you may not know this well. It’s significantly remote.”

He cleared his throat before explaining, “There’s a massive island further east, near Guangdong. Although it’s called an island, it’s nearly as large as a proper nation. Civilization in the Central Plains has hardly developed there, with indigenous people residing in it. They’ve been cultivating their own civilization independently, but recently, Westerners have invaded that land, which is called the Kingdom of Duke Du.”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“The Ming Empire tends to avoid mentioning them. Although they are nominally part of the Ming, the lord has nearly no control over that land. It’s an obscure place that ordinary people know little about.”

I was able to piece together the situation. With my arms crossed in thought, I said, “Hmm. So he’s a Western religious figure but also a merchant.”

“He appears to have a good relationship with the current emperor and is likely receiving favors. It seems the emperor is considering exchanging with the West through Matteo Ricci.”

Mangnyang spoke in a grave tone, “The problem is that according to our informants, it seems he understands the value of the Phoenix Fragment. There might be a possibility he wants to take it back to his homeland.”

“……”

If the Phoenix Fragment were to go to the West, it would be a serious issue. Plus, if he realizes its worth, he’s unlikely to sell or part with it so easily. Given the magnitude of such a figure, the price he’d request for it would surely be astronomical, which explains why Mangnyang was troubled.

I proposed, “Then let’s find Matteo Ricci’s stronghold and steal it back.”

“Naturally, that’s also a method I’ve considered. However, we only know that he possesses it; we don’t know where the Phoenix Fragment is located.”

“In that case, we could kidnap him and torture him…”

“That’s a completely murderous notion. What crime has he committed?”

“……”

I was at a loss for words. After experiencing many abductions and tortures in the past, my thoughts unconsciously drifted towards this line of reasoning. Mangnyang, forcing a smile, remarked, “Of course, Zhuge Sa was the first to propose that. However, the more I think about it, the repercussions of targeting such a major figure would be substantial. Even if we could forcibly crush his faction or torture him into revealing the Phoenix Fragment, society is guaranteed to change drastically and our identity would be exposed. Taking action against him equates to taking action against the Kingdom of Duke Du and the foreign lands.”

“So, are you saying it would be better to simply make a trade and purchase it?”

“Precisely. That way, we’ll minimize future troubles and grant you more time for training.”

Mangnyang nodded, then added, “We need money. At least several hundred taels of gold! For that, you, Baek Woong, must take action.”

“Understood!”

I grinned and stood up. “I can raise that amount in no time!”